Question

Arrange the skin layers according to the order in which a physician would cut them off during surgery, starting with the first at the top.

Answer 1

Here is the correct order (from outer to innermost layers):

1. stratum corneum
2. stratum lucidum
3. stratum granulosum
4. stratum spinosum
5. stratum basale
6. dermis

Step-by-step explanation:

• The skin is majorly divided into three layers:

1. Epidermis
2. Dermis
3. Hypodermis

• The epidermis, a layer of keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium, is further composed of five different layers:

1. stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, is exposed to the outside environment.
2. stratum lucidum is located just above the stratum granulosum and below the stratum corneum.
3. stratum granulosum, as indicated by the name, has a grainy texture.
4. stratum spinosum has a spiny texture due to presence of desmosomes which are connections that strengthen the intercellular attachment.
5. stratum basale is a single layer of basal cells that are precursors of keratinocytes.

• The dermis, located beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.